HBO Max’s most divisive and “out there” — for lack of a better internet-friendly term — is defying the haters on streaming. With HBO’s prestige TV label comes more creative freedom to include more mature themes and content. Game of Thrones’ early seasons were rife with said mature content, resulting in a lot of backlash from more conservative viewers. But HBO Max’s ongoing financial thriller makes Game of Thrones look as tame as Merlin. You’d think a series about investment bankers and traders set in London would be pretty down-to-Earth and drab — but not Industry. In fact, it’s one of HBO Max’s most controversial shows in years, but fans don’t care. The show is currently airing its fourth season weekly on HBO and HBO Max, and viewers cannot get enough of it. At the time of writing, Industry is the fourth most popular series on HBO Max in the US and globally. The Pitt currently holds the top spot, with, appropriately enough, the new Game of Thrones spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in second, and DTF St. Louis in third. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, Industry debuted in 2020 and was a sleeper hit on HBO Max. The series developed a cult following throughout its first two seasons. But Season 3 took the show mainstream, with Game of Thrones’ (there seems to be a theme here) Kit Harington joining the cast. The series follows a group of graduate investment bankers all fighting for full-time employment at Pierpoint. The ongoing fourth season reunites audiences with Harper, Yasmin, Gus, Eric, and Rishi as they pick up the pieces following the (very) dramatic Season 3 finale. While fan-favorite Robert Spearing (Harry Lawtey) didn’t return for Season 4, Mad Men’s Kiernan Shipka joined the cast for the fourth season.
‘Industry’ Holds Nothing Back (But Sometimes It Should)

From its first episode, Industry makes it clear that it isn’t just Billions with English accents — it’s closer to a mash-up of The Wolf of Wall Street and Euphoria. The very first episode features depictions of some very intimate acts. While there’s only so much it can show before it gets bumped up by another age rating, it makes it even worse by forcing the viewer to imagine what’s happening on screen. Outside of its more adult-oriented content, Industry is also one of the most stressful shows on TV. Unsurprisingly, when there are millions of dollars (or pounds in this case) at stake every single day, things get quite intense. From the complex character relationships, to the business deals and numerous, numerous, white collar crimes committed, Industry is high-stress TV at its best.
Why Is ‘Industry’ Controversial?

HBO Max

As with any show that leans into mature storytelling and content, Industry faced the usual backlash from more reserved viewers. But the extremity of some of its scenes even caused some of its more relaxed and open viewers to say “that might have been a bit too far.” The backlash is reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes score. While critics adore the show, giving it a 91% rating, audiences have only rated it 71%.

Release Date

November 9, 2020

Network

HBO

Directors

Isabella Eklöf, Tinge Krishnan, Ed Lilly, Birgitte Stærmose, Zoé Wittock, Caleb Femi, Mary Nighy, Konrad Kay, Lena Dunham, Mickey Down

Harry Lawtey

Robert Spearing